Favorite thing: This interesting sculpture near the Portuguese Synagogue (in the Jewish quarter) commemorates the Dockworkers of Amsterdam (and other union workers) for their spontaneous strike action protesting the deportation of Jews in February 1941.

The deportations occurred stealthily and suddenly on the nights between February 22 and 23, 1941, during which 425 young Jewish males were rounded up and sent to Mauthausen concentration camp. The strike was a symbol of Dutch resistance to German racial and political policies in the occupied country. It began on the docks but soon spread to other areas of the economy: shipping, rail, municipal services. . .

The Dockworkers memorial is the work of sculptor Mari Andriessen, and was unveiled by Queen Juliana in 1952. A commemoration of the role of trade unions in the resistance has subsequently occurred every February 25. We were here (just off Waterlooplein) on March 4, which explains the profusion of flowers and bouquets at the base of the statue.